Computing giant Hewlett Packard (HP) has embarked upon an overhaul of its external legal advisers in the US, in a process that looks set to be replicated in Europe.

The technology company's general counsel, Michael Holston, is leading the review, which is set to rationalise HP's extensive roster of advisers and cut costs.

Holston has advised HP for more than 10 years and joined the company in February from Morgan Lewis & Bockius. He replaced former general counsel Ann Baskins, who resigned from the company in September.

Firms under scrutiny will include HP's long-term adviser, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Joyce Norcini, HP's recently-appointed general counsel for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said she hoped to follow suit with a review of advisers in the EMEA region in the future. HP currently instructs a large number of firms in Europe, including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and has previously used Eversheds.